On Saturday March 28th, ANOKHI Media celebrated its 12th anniversary event in association with Johnnie Walker. The highly anticipated event was held at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York, where hundreds gathered to celebrate trailblazing celebrities, honorees, performers, and activists within the South Asian community.

Guests enjoyed a scrumptious fusion styled 3-course meal while Buddha bar music played in the background in the Concert Hall.

The Awards-Fashion-Entertainment show was the highlight of the night as South Asian stars graced the stage to accept an array of awards and live performances to entertain the crowd. JUNO Nominated Alysha Brilla performed her latest hits and was presented with the Musical Artist of the Year award.

Celebrity fashion designer Archana Kochhar showcased an exclusive runway show for the first time in North America for Anokhi guests that was full glitz and glam!

Special to this year, ANOKHI Media unveiled and released ‘THE ANOKHI LIST 2015’ – a beautiful coffee table book to celebrate the regional, national and international success stories of some of today’s more prolific South Asian personalities. Only 2,500 copies were produced and guests left the event with the coffee table book and a luxurious gift bag from L’Oreal Paris.

To end the night, guests partied at the After Party with all the special guests and celebrities. The ANOKHI Media’s 12th anniversary event was a great success and CityEvents was honoured to be a partner in the extensive planning process and execution of the event.

The warm weather is changing soon. Use the remaining sunny days and attend one of Toronto’s smaller community events. We have provided a few ideas in this article where you can attend a local event within a big city.

The Beaches host a very interesting event, which the artist lovers among you will like! The Beach Guild of Fine Art group presents it’s annual fall show and sale featuring paintings by over 40 of the Guild artists. You will also find lucky draw and a gift boutique there. The event takes places on Friday September 19th to Sunday September 21st from 10 am to 5 pm. Come to Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave.

The Beaches host another event that’s is especially interesting for families and kids! The Mooseketeer Kid’s Club encourages children to come up with creative ideas to collect loose change all summer. By doing so, they help take a bite out of canine cancer. There are prizes for top coin collectors! This is the kid’s portion of the 3rd Annual Walk to End Canine Cancer. The event takes place Saturday September 29 at noon. Come to Kew Beach and walk to End Canine Cancer. Visit www.beachesliving.ca/ to check out more events at the beaches!

At this time of the year almost all of the crops are in! Come to the Leslieville Farmers Market and buy local and seasonal food! The Market’s Mission is to “Foster engagement and relationship among market goers and local environmentally responsible food producers, The Leslieville Farmers’ Market increases access to and awareness of local and seasonal food.”

Taste the different flavor of locally grown food and appreciate its organic origin. The Farmer’s Market is at Jonathan Ashbridge Park?and takes place every Sunday from 9am-2pm ?on Queen St E. between Greenwood & Coxwell. The? 2014 Season: May 25th to October 26th. Check out their website for more details http://leslievillemarket.com.

Last but not least we want to introduce you to a small and unique festival at RoncesvallesVillage. If you have Polish roots or if you are interested in getting to know their culture, this event is the best opportunity! This Polish Festival is North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture in Toronto’s neighborhood! You can enjoy local and international music, folklore and entertainment from near and far on multiple stages. Join the “Dance Under The Stars” polka party as well as cuisine from Roncesvalles’ renowned restaurants and experience a traditional Polish fare. The event takes place from Saturday September 13th to Sunday September 14th. To see more pictures visit the event’s website click here

As you see, there are lots of great events coming up! But there are so many more taking place in Toronto this month. Check out our event calendar and find out what is pleasing you.

Whether you’re married, in a relationship, single or have children, there is something for everyone this Valentine’s Day season! Here’s your guide in picking the perfect way to celebrate this season of love.

If you’re thinking ‘ I hate Valentine’s Day, it was created by card companies to get more money’, you’re in luck because we have a list of anti VDay activities for you too!

Couples

This weekend (Feb 15-16) the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) will be screening the classic film Casablanca as the TSO will perform Max Steiner’s iconic score.

For couples wanting to sweeten things up, Le Dolci is offering a Valentine’s Day cupcake decorating class. Learn how to bake and decorate like a pro while working with fondant, and buttercream making hearts, roses, bows and Cupid’s arrows, in this hands-on decorating class.

Sweep your partner off their feet with the Valentine’s Big Band Dance. An evening promising to deliver a night of romance, dinner and dancing. The band will be performing hits from the big band era, including hits by Bobby Darrin, Peggy Lee and Glen Miller.

For the animal lovers out there, The Toronto Zoo will be featuring a Valentine’s event with the opportunity for couples to look at how different animals raise their young. The evening will start off with a romantic dinner, followed by meeting some animals, learning about their offspring, and culminating in a visit to the zoo’s reproductive labs.

Family

For parents who want an evening of romance but can’t find a sitter, Pawsitively Pets has an exciting alterative that the kids will love. Close encounters with several animals and a special pizza dinner! A fun evening for everyone.

On Sunday if you’re feeling to lazy to cook from all the weekend excitement, Old Mill Toronto will be hosting Sunday brunch and dinner buffet with a little Valentine’s twist on it. Both meals will feature a selection of favourites and specialty dishes. And did you know the Old Mill is celebrating 100 Years?

Take a walk on the sweeter side of Kensington Market at Tasty Tours. Chocolates, cupcakes, pastries, you name it the tour will bring you there. The tour will take place on Friday, February 14.

Singles

Single and ready to mingle? Well you’re in luck because Valentine’s Day seems to be a bumping time for singles events.
On Friday House of Moments will hold the Sugar and Spice Valentines Party. This event features a dinner, dance with open bar option included. Attendees will groove to live music and DJ Ricky Lee amusing music.

Singles looking for their Sherlock or Nancy Drew make your way to the Royal Ontario Museum. The ROM is holding a singles-only murder mystery. A curator has been murdered and a trail of clues left behind. After the code has been cracked have the opportunity to explore the ROM famous collections. A night of mystery, learning and maybe even love.

The Beaver (ladies only) on Queen West, with a DJ’s spinning all female artists (LGBTQ)

An all male singles evening will be held at The Marquis of Granby. Meet 10 – 12 single bachelors while enjoying complementary drinks and appetizers. (LGBTQ)

The BOND Affair Pop Up Dinner Series promises to be a night of mystery and luxury. Four course gourmet meals, unknown set locations (golf clubs, museums art galleries ect.) and hors d’oeuvres with drinks in the Bond lounge. Valentine’s Day has already sold out but will be hosting others, so keep your double o’ open for the next one!

Anti-Valentines Day

Finally those of you who can’t stand this day, why not be surrounded by others who feel the same.

Revival Restaurant will be holding its 2nd annual Anti-Valentines Day Mixer. Enjoy fun and games as well as Dj Ideal who will be spinning everything from R&B to Funk.

Looking to let off some steam, Zirger Academy Martial Arts has a workshop for you. Pad Drills Valentine’s Day workshop is a great workout and an even better way to forget the chocolates, flowers or even that ex.

If you need a good laugh to get through the day, Second City has the show for you, “We’ll Tickle The Funny Bone. The Rest is Up to You.” So put down the ice cream bucket and save the tissue for tears of laughter.

The Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon is the hottest and new nightspot where anyone can come and have country western experience in downtown Toronto. Last December, the Tap House Toronto closed its doors and re-opened as the Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon. This Country / Rock destination incorporates a bar, restaurant and live music venue, located in the heart of the Entertainment District above Adelaide Hall.

The Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon welcomes you with western style interior. It has a capacity of a group of people up to 299. In summer, you will enjoy the large rooftop patio, which allows you experience one of the best views of Toronto’s skyline.

The Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon features the southwestern style menu such as chili, corn dogs and barbecued entrees and more. It offers you not only restaurant and bar experience but also entertainment such as live music, line dancing and a mechanical bull, making your country style night more exciting.

The Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon coincides with MRG Ventures’ continuing journey into the music scene in Canada. Blog TO has already voted one of the city’s Best Live Music Venues. Most recently, MRG Ventures opened Hideaway Records & Bar in London and the Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon will be the latest addition to the group of cutting edge music venues and bars.

The Rock ‘n’ Horse Saloon will take you to country and let you experience home-style food, great music and welcoming hospitality in a comfortable and warm atmosphere. The space is great for a themed event with a saloon feel.